A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the death of a bald eagle found near Fayetteville in November.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the reward. A resident found the mature bald eagle injured on Nov. 20 near U.S. 30. It died the day after Thanksgiving, and X-rays showed a lead shot pellet lodged in its body.

Bald eagles are protected by the federal government. Violators are subject to fines and jail time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Special Agent Randy Cottrell at 221-4425.